Washington requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to operate a motorcycle legally
A motorcycle endorsement — marked as an "M" on your Washington driver's license — is a legal requirement before you can ride any motorcycle on public roads. You cannot straightforward ride with a regular driver's license. Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) issues this endorsement after you pass both a written test and a riding skills test, or after you complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
The endorsement applies to all motorcycles, including three-wheeled vehicles classified as motorcycles. If you already hold a valid Washington driver's license in any class, you can add the motorcycle endorsement without renewing your entire license — you pay only the endorsement fee.
Key Takeaways
- Washington requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle legally on public roads.
- You can pass the DOL written and riding tests directly, or complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to waive both tests.
- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course costs money but includes bike rental, instruction, and automatic test waivers if you pass.
- If you fail the DOL riding test, you must wait seven days before retesting, and you can retake the written test the same day you fail it.
- The endorsement fee is the same whether you test directly or complete a safety course.
The two paths: direct testing or a safety course
Washington offers two routes to the motorcycle endorsement. The first is to pass the DOL written test and the DOL riding test on your own. The second is to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, which waives both tests if you pass the course.
Most riders choose the MSF course because it includes instruction, a motorcycle to practice on, and protective gear. The course typically runs two or three days and costs between $200 and $300, depending on the provider. If you pass the course, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the DOL, and the endorsement is added without further testing.
If you choose direct testing, you pay only the endorsement fee (currently $20 for a four-year endorsement or $40 for an eight-year endorsement, though fees can change). However, you must study for and pass both the written test and the riding test yourself, and you need access to a motorcycle for the riding test.
What the DOL written test covers
The motorcycle written test has 25 questions and covers Washington traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like proper braking technique, how to handle curves, what to do in an emergency stop, and Washington's helmet law.
Washington requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. The written test will ask about this requirement. You can study using the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the DOL website. Many riders also use online practice tests to prepare.
You can retake the written test the same day if you fail it, though you may need to pay the test fee again depending on the DOL office location. There is no waiting period between attempts at the written test.
The DOL riding test and what examiners evaluate
The riding test takes place at a DOL office or an approved testing site and lasts about 20 minutes. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one. The examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers: starting the engine, riding in a straight line, making turns, braking, and swerving to avoid an obstacle.
The examiner is looking for smooth throttle control, proper braking, the ability to balance the bike at low speeds, and safe lane positioning. You do not ride on public roads during the test — it takes place in a closed course or parking area. If you fail, you must wait seven days before retesting. You can retake the written test on the same day you fail the riding test, but the seven-day rule applies only to the riding portion.
Bring your current Washington driver's license, proof of motorcycle insurance or registration, and a helmet that meets federal standards. Some DOL offices require you to schedule the riding test in advance, so call ahead or check the DOL website for your local office's procedures.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses and how they work
The MSF Basic Rider Course is offered by independent training organizations throughout Washington, not by the DOL itself. These organizations are certified by the MSF to teach the curriculum and administer the course completion certificate. A list of approved providers is available on the Washington DOL website.
The course typically runs Friday evening through Sunday, or over two full days, depending on the provider. You do not need to own a motorcycle — the course provides one, along with a helmet and protective gear. Instruction covers basic controls, starting and stopping, turning, emergency braking, and hazard awareness. The course is hands-on, meaning you spend most of the time actually riding.
If you pass the course, you receive a completion certificate. You bring this certificate to any DOL office, pay the endorsement fee, and the "M" is added to your license. You do not take any further tests. If you do not pass the course, you can retake it with another provider, or you can choose to take the DOL written and riding tests instead.
Adding the endorsement at the DOL office
Once you have passed either the DOL tests or the MSF course, you visit a Washington DOL office to add the endorsement to your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of passing (either your test score receipt from the DOL or your MSF course completion certificate), and payment for the endorsement fee.
The endorsement fee depends on how long you want it to last. A four-year endorsement costs $20, and an eight-year endorsement costs $40. These fees are current as of this writing but may change — check the DOL website for the most recent rates. The endorsement is added to your existing license; you do not receive a new license card unless your current one is expiring soon.
Processing usually takes a few minutes at the office. Some DOL locations allow you to add the endorsement on the same day you pass the riding test, while others may require a separate visit. Call your local DOL office to confirm their procedures.
Age requirements and restrictions for new riders
Washington does not have a minimum age to hold a motorcycle endorsement on a regular driver's license. However, if you are under 18, you must hold a valid instruction permit or driver's license first. You cannot hold a motorcycle endorsement without holding a valid driver's license in some class.
Washington does not impose a separate "motorcycle-only" license category for young riders, unlike some states. Once you have the endorsement, the same rules explore regardless of age — you must wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and carry proof of insurance.
Insurance and registration requirements
Washington requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance before riding on public roads. You do not need insurance to take the DOL riding test or the MSF course, but you must have it before you legally ride on the street. Proof of insurance is required when you register your motorcycle with the DOL.
Motorcycle registration in Washington is separate from the endorsement. You register the specific motorcycle with the DOL and receive a registration certificate and license plate. The endorsement on your license straightforward gives you legal permission to operate any motorcycle; registration ties a particular motorcycle to your name and address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license while I wait for my endorsement?
No. Riding without the endorsement is illegal in Washington, even if you have a valid driver's license. You can be cited and fined. The only exception is if you are taking the MSF course or the DOL riding test — you may ride to and from the test location if you have proof of enrollment, but this varies by location.
What happens if I fail the MSF course?
If you do not pass the MSF course, you do not receive the completion certificate. You can retake the course with another MSF provider, or you can choose to take the DOL written and riding tests instead. There is no penalty for failing the course — you straightforward do not get the certificate waiver.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or scooter?
It depends on the engine size. Mopeds with engines 50cc or smaller do not require a motorcycle endorsement in Washington — you can ride them with a regular driver's license. Scooters and motorcycles larger than 50cc require the "M" endorsement. Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual to confirm the engine size.
How long does the motorcycle endorsement last?
The endorsement lasts either four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you pay the fee. It expires on the same date as your driver's license. When your license expires, you renew both the license and the endorsement together at the DOL.
Can I transfer a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
If you hold a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, Washington may waive the riding test but not the written test. Bring your out-of-state license and endorsement to the DOL, pass the Washington written test, pay the endorsement fee, and the "M" is added to your Washington license. Requirements vary, so call your local DOL office to confirm.